You’ve heard a ton about 5G. By this point, you’re thinking you should get a 5G-capable device and then throw your arms up in exasperation whenever you’re stuck using old-school 4G. That all seems like cutting-edge behavior. But what exactly is 5G? Here’s a brief answer, designed for the non-techie. As is often the case with this computer stuff, I followed the lead of the much-smarter-than-me people at MIT.
The Basic Concept
Getting online often involves a traditional wired connection (with perhaps a tiny Wi-Fi portion that connects you from the couch to the nearest wire). I’m not talking about that. I’m referring, instead, to getting online via a wireless cellular network—from your device to the nearest cell tower.
Obviously, the idea of using cellular networks is nothing new. There was the first generation (1G) of cellular technology—launched in 1979—followed by 2G, 3G, and the familiar 4G, which rolled out around 2009.
That brings us, of course, to the fifth-generation cellular network (as defined by global standards agencies), better known as 5G. This latest technology promises a lot of things, including high speeds, low latency (the lag time between when a device requests and receives information), and the ability to connect a massive number of devices to the internet. But how?
Tech Stuff
To explain how the above goals will be achieved, I used this YouTube video—it highlights the technological concepts that can help deliver the desired outcomes. Below is a brief summary of the key points.
5G will tap into higher-frequency radio waves to transmit data—technically speaking, these higher-frequency waves are microwaves or millimeter waves. Such waves provide for higher speeds and, given that they haven’t previously been used for this particular purpose, increase available bandwidth. They also can’t travel as far and have a tough time bypassing obstacles.
Given the distance limitations of higher frequencies, multiple small cell networks in close proximity will need to be built to make the system work.
The numerous base stations needed to build out the small cell networks will have something called massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), markedly increasing the capacity of the network.
As more and more devices access the network, the risk of interference will be high. To account for this possibility, base stations can send a focused stream of data to a specific user, also known as beamforming.
Finally, the base stations will allow for full-duplex data transmission, meaning that data can be sent and received simultaneously.
In order to take advantage of the network, you’ll need your devices to be 5G-enabled (i.e. able to communicate using higher-frequency waves). Unfortunately, just because you make that leap, you won’t be guaranteed high speed. Why? Because 5G can function at low frequencies (low-band 5G), mid-range frequencies (mid-band 5G, a category that includes the C-band range of frequencies you might have heard of), and the aforementioned high frequencies (high-band 5G). If you’re in an area with infrastructure that only supports lower frequencies, you might just be using 4G with a 5G label.
Implications
Given all the things that need to happen to provide a true 5G experience, getting there won’t happen immediately. But as we head in that direction, the possibilities start to become endless. First, the so-called Internet of Things (IoT)—the idea that given the speed and capacity of 5G, everything (like really everything) can be connected to the internet—could come to fruition. Furthermore, augmented reality and virtual reality could reach the next level. And while not as earth-shattering, 5G could become a significant player in residential internet connections, obviating the need for a cable or fiber connection. (Prior to buying all 5G-enabled devices, you can get a router that converts the 5G signal into Wi-Fi so that your non-5G-enabled devices can get in on the action.)
As would be expected, potential downsides to this transition have been discussed. For example, the airline industry has expressed concern that the C-band includes frequencies that could overlap with those used by altimeters.
Others worry about the potential health effects of higher-frequency waves. Such concerns appear to be unfounded, as the higher-frequency waves still have a lower frequency than visible light and thus a far lower frequency than what is considered ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays, and the like).
Some have pointed to a potential widening of the digital divide—ever increasing speeds for those with access while the unconnected fall even further behind.
And the cost of the infrastructure is far from negligible, placing pressure on private entities to recoup those costs and leading to questions regarding whether consumer prices could increase at least in the short term.
Regardless of these reservations and despite what will be inevitable growing pains, the much-anticipated 5G is here. The future, as they say, is now. (Author’s note: This article was written with pencil and paper.)
